New York Business Consultants LLC

How do use your heart and mind in business? 

Malko Ebers, New York Jan 26th 2014

Business is an important part of life, so important in fact that we spend hours and years with work. We exchange our time, effort, goods, services, money and that can be a very political and emotional affair.

Yes, we do get emotional about business, what happens at work, what happens in market negotiations and when we create dependencies in teams and organizations is close to our heart. We should do what we love, isn't that what everybody says? Well the chemistry and emotional passion can be a force for good, it drives us and inspires us and others. However emotions can be very much in the way as well. When we feel hurt, angry, sad then it affects our performance, our state of being awake and looking realistically at all options.

Let me give you an example. I just finished an inspiring and very direct conversation with a business partner who happens also to be the direct advisor to a king in Africa, a man of influence, experience and affluence. A lot was at stake finance, reputation, time spend and for the business and event we are planning we depend on each other, we need to build trust. When you feel you are passionate about something you are creating big positive expectations - the necessary independent variable and condition for disappointment. So besides all positive energy and momentum ask for feedback, ask what can go wrong and work on a plan B.

In business as in life we are acting in imperfect conditions, we lack time, resources and have imperfect access to information. Still we have to make decisions and have to act, the window of opportunity is only open for so long.

Hearing about groundbreaking innovation, negotiating a big deal, being passionate about a huge opportunity - business can be VERY emotional. So while you are in this state, remember what is your plan B, what is the worst case scenario and how would you mitigate these risks. I can not stress that enough. Life and work with passion but don't forget common sense, especially when a lot is at stake.